The document describes the scale of the transport task and how the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation intends to meet it.

Organisers claim the draft plan applies tried and tested transport strategies from previous Games and major events and considers recent lessons from the Glasgow 2014 transport division.

"Experience tells us that early planning for transport is the key to creating a positive Games experience for all involved in competing, spectating, administering, managing and reporting on Gold Coast 2018," said Gold Coast 2018 chairman Nigel Chamier.

"Consultation with stakeholders, the community and local businesses will ensure we finalise a plan that will help us deliver a great Games in 2018 and also provide lasting benefits for the city."

Gold Coast was awarded the Games at the 2011 Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis, beating its only rival, Hambantota in Sri Lanka.

The city located in south-east Queensland has a population of just under 600,000.

The Transport Strategic Plan for the 2018 Games has been developed in line with the city's Transport Strategy 2031 according to organisers.

It will focus on public and active transport as the primary means of travel to Gold Coast 2018 events and includes free travel on public transport for ticketed spectators within a defined area.

A Transport Strategic Plan has been released by Gold Coast 2018 organisers that includes details of transport links to venues such as the Commonwealth Games Village
©Queensland Government



Gold Coast 2018 chief executive Mark Peters said the draft plan will ensure that athletes and team officials, spectators, residents and visitors are transported in a timely, efficient and comfortable manner during the Games and is the first step in preparing the community on transport initiatives well ahead of the Games, which is due to take place from April 4 to 15 2018.

"The plan will manage the Games-time movement of 6,500 athletes and team officials, approximately 3,000 accredited media, 1,000 technical officials, a [Games] workforce and contractor team of more than 30,000, up to 15,000 volunteers and many thousands of ticketed spectators," said Peters.

"It will be important to minimise unexpected delays on the road network and transport system.

"The draft plan will be amended as required following community and business consultation with further opportunity to comment on more detailed operational plans as they are developed over the next three years."

To download the Gold Coast 2018 Transport Strategic Plan, click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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